Jungle feud escalates: 'i'm a celebrity' stars may skip final
The simmering tension from the South African jungle is threatening to boil over as the finale of I'm a Celebrity: South Africa approaches. A reported dispute between former footballer Jimmy Bullard and Emmerdale actor Adam Thomas has reportedly intensified to the point where Bullard is allegedly attempting to avoid attending the live reunion, potentially jeopardizing his show fee.
A muddy trial and a dramatic exit
The conflict stems from a particularly fraught Bushtucker Trial, “Rancid Run,” where the pair were partnered. Losing the trial meant immediate eviction, a high-stakes scenario that seemingly pushed Bullard over the edge. During the trial—aired in last night's episode—Bullard abruptly declared he could “no longer” participate, much to the shock of his teammate, Thomas. His abrupt withdrawal unleashed a torrent of frustration from Thomas, who confronted Bullard with accusations of deliberately sabotaging their chances.
“You’re joking me, bro! Jim, come on, man. Don’t do this, bro! Is that how we’re going out, yeah?” Thomas reportedly yelled, visibly covered in ants. The exchange, punctuated by expletives, escalated as Thomas accused Bullard of “taking the piss” and questioned his motives. Bullard, for his part, remained steadfast in his decision, citing a general feeling of being “done” with the show, compounded by missing his family, including his ailing father.
Beyond the bushtucker: a lingering rift
Despite Thomas’s pleas and the subsequent vote that kept him in the competition, the animosity appears to have persisted. A source close to the show revealed to The Sun that the pair failed to reconcile their differences during filming, casting doubt on their attendance at the final. Bullard’s reported refusal to appear, according to the same source, could cost him a significant portion of his fee.
“Both men acted in a way they’re not proud of,” the insider added, painting a picture of resentment that extends far beyond the confines of the jungle. ITV and Bullard’s representatives have yet to comment on the situation, leaving fans to speculate about the future of this unexpected rivalry.
The incident underscores the intense pressure and emotional toll of reality television, where even seemingly lighthearted challenges can trigger deeply personal conflicts. Whether this feud will be resolved—or if it will permanently stain the legacy of I’m a Celebrity: South Africa—remains to be seen.